EP4195171A1 - Tool output system, method for managing and outputting tools and use of an electronic lock - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool issuing system (2), a method for managing and issuing tools (52) and the use of an electronic lock (10). The tool dispensing system (2) includes a user interface (30) via which a user request (50) relating to a required tool (52) is transmitted to a central data management system (4). The central data management system (4) checks the access authorization of the user (53) and issues the user (53) with a temporary opening authorization (22). Using the temporary opening authorization (22), the user (53) can open an electronic lock (10) of a tool store (12), in which the required tool (52) is located, within a specified period of time.

Description

The invention relates to a tool dispensing system. The invention also relates to a method for managing and issuing tools and using an electronic lock.

When managing tools in business premises, it often happens that tools that are needed for a work process cannot be found. It is often unclear whether these tools were put down incorrectly, are being used by another employee or are missing completely.

In order to prevent tools from disappearing, provision can be made, for example, for the tool cabinets to be locked and only one responsible employee to have a key for the locks. This will prevent that Unauthorized persons can access the tools and the responsible employee keeps track of who took which tool and when.

However, such a procedure causes additional work for the responsible employee and is difficult to implement, especially in large companies.

Tool cabinets with an integrated, automatic inventory management system are also known from the prior art, which monitors the storage and issue of the tools arranged in the tool cabinets. However, due to the acquisition costs, such tool cabinets are more suitable for the management of high-priced tools.

The object of the invention is to specify a system and a method for managing and issuing tools in business premises, which are inexpensive and with which management and issuing are carried out reliably and with little effort.

• wobei auf der Werkzeugdatenbank Aufenthaltsdaten von mehreren Werkzeugen gespeichert sind, die angeben, in welchem Werkzeuglager sich die Werkzeuge jeweils aktuell befinden,
• wobei auf der Nutzerdatenbank Zugriffsrechtsdaten gespeichert sind, die für wenigstens einen Nutzer angeben, für welche der Werkzeuge und/oder Werkzeuglager der Nutzer eine Zugriffserlaubnis hat,
• wobei das wenigstens eine elektronische Schloss dazu eingerichtet ist, jeweils eines der Werkzeuglager zu verschließen,
• wobei die Nutzerschnittstelle dazu eingerichtet ist, eine Nutzeranfrage nach einem benötigten Werkzeug von dem Nutzer zu empfangen und an das zentrale Datenverwaltungssystem zu übermitteln, wobei die Nutzeranfrage Informationen über das benötigte Werkzeug und eine Nutzeridentität umfasst,
• wobei das zentrale Datenverwaltungssystem dazu eingerichtet ist, auf die Werkzeugdatenbank zuzugreifen, um zu ermitteln, in welchem Werkzeuglager sich ein Werkzeugexemplar befindet, das dem benötigten Werkzeug entspricht, und auf die Nutzerdatenbank zuzugreifen, um zu ermitteln, ob der Nutzer, dem die Nutzeranfrage zugeordnet ist, für das benötigte Werkzeug und/oder das Werkzeuglager, in dem sich das Werkzeugexemplar befindet, eine Zugriffserlaubnis hat,
• wobei das zentrale Datenverwaltungssystem ferner dazu eingerichtet ist, sofern der Nutzer für das benötigte Werkzeug und/oder das Werkzeuglager, in dem sich das Werkzeugexemplar befindet, eine Zugriffserlaubnis hat, eine temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung zu erstellen, wobei die temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung spezifiziert, dass der Nutzer für einen festgelegten oder festlegbaren Zeitraum dasjenige elektronische Schloss öffnen kann, mit dem das Werkzeuglager verschlossen ist, in dem sich das Werkzeugexemplar befindet,
• wobei die Schlüsselvorrichtung ein den Nutzer kennzeichnendes Identifizierungskennzeichen umfasst, mittels dessen die Nutzeridentität verifizierbar ist, wobei das Identifizierungskennzeichen mittels der Schlüsselvorrichtung an das wenigstens eine elektronische Schloss übermittelbar ist,
• wobei das wenigstens eine elektronische Schloss dazu eingerichtet ist, sich zu öffnen, wenn eine gültige temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung in dem wenigstens einen elektronischen Schloss vorliegt und das Identifizierungskennzeichen an das wenigstens eine elektronische Schloss übermittelt wird, wobei eine temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung für ein elektronisches Schloss gültig ist, wenn sie dieses elektronische Schloss spezifiziert und das Identifizierungskennzeichen des Nutzers, der durch die temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung spezifiziert ist, während des festgelegten oder festlegbaren Zeitraums an dieses elektronische Schloss übermittelt wird.

This object is achieved by a tool issuing system comprising a central data management system, a tool database, a user database, at least one electronic lock, at least one key device and a user interface,

• whereabouts data from a number of tools are stored in the tool database, which data indicate the tool store in which the tools are currently located,
• wherein access rights data are stored on the user database, which indicate for at least one user for which the user's tools and/or tool storage has access permission,
• wherein the at least one electronic lock is set up to lock one of the tool stores in each case,
• wherein the user interface is set up to receive a user request for a required tool from the user and to transmit it to the central data management system, the user request including information about the required tool and a user identity,
• wherein the central data management system is set up to access the tool database in order to determine which tool store has a tool specimen that corresponds to the required tool, and to access the user database in order to determine whether the user to whom the user request is assigned , has access permission for the required tool and/or the tool store where the tool instance is located,
• wherein the central data management system is also set up to create a temporary opening authorization if the user has access authorization for the required tool and/or the tool store in which the tool specimen is located, the temporary opening authorization specifying that the user has a defined or definable period of time can open the electronic lock with which the tool store is locked, in which the tool specimen is located,
• wherein the key device comprises an identifier identifying the user, by means of which the User identity can be verified, the identifier being able to be transmitted to the at least one electronic lock by means of the key device,
• wherein the at least one electronic lock is set up to open when there is a valid temporary opening authorization in the at least one electronic lock and the identifier is transmitted to the at least one electronic lock, wherein a temporary opening authorization for an electronic lock is valid if it specifies this electronic lock and the identifier of the user, which is specified by the temporary opening authorization, is transmitted to this electronic lock during the defined or definable period of time.

It is advantageously possible with the tool issuing system to grant individual users temporary access to tool stores so that the users can remove the tools they need. This ensures that only users with access permission can remove the tool. At the same time, tool dispensing no longer needs to be manually monitored by a single person. Since the assignment of a tool is always preceded by a user request, which is logged in the central data management system in particular, it is also possible to track where each of the tools is at the moment. By issuing temporary opening authorizations instead of permanent opening authorizations, it can be achieved that the tool storeroom is only opened if the user has previously made a request to the central data management system within the specified period. In particular, the central data management system set up to create a position message and in particular to transmit it to the user interface, by means of which the user is informed about the whereabouts of the tool example. The user interface is set up in particular to display the position message.

The tool dispensing system is comparatively inexpensive, since existing tool stores only have to be provided with an electronic lock in order to monitor the tool inventory in the tool store using the tool dispensing system. Since the system is inexpensive, the entire inventory can be included in the administration and issue, even in large business premises. This inventory may also include non-closed areas. No opening authorization is issued for the non-locked areas. However, the tool dispensing system checks in particular whether the user has access rights to this area or the tool stored there. Only in this case does it tell the user where the tool instance is located.

In the context of this description, the term tools includes not only tools such as wrenches, drills, measuring tools, test equipment and the like, but also assembly material and small items such as screws, nails, bolts, resistors, cables, plugs, sockets and the like. In addition, the term tools includes in particular personal protective equipment such as protective goggles, protective gloves, hearing protection, helmets and the like. In addition, the term tools also includes, in particular, accessories for tools, for example interchangeable measuring heads, ratchets, bits and the like or spare parts, adapters, holders or milling cutters, drills or cutting heads.

The term access permission is understood to mean that a user is authorized to remove a tool copy of the required tool from the tool store and/or to open the tool store in which the tool copy is located. An opening authorization for an electronic lock gives the user the authorization and the actual possibility to open the electronic lock. In the context of this description, temporary means that the opening authorization only relates to a limited period of time.

The term tool store is understood to mean any type of storage option for tools. In particular, a tool store is a drawer, a cupboard, a tool trolley, a case, a workshop trolley and/or a room and/or an area within the company premises. In particular, the tool dispensing system includes the tool storage.

The term convey includes both active and passive forms of conveyance. For example, the user submitting the user request to the user interface includes manually entering data. The transmission of data, e.g. the opening authorization or the identification code, from the key device to the electronic lock includes, for example, reading out the data stored on the key device by the electronic lock.

The central data management system is in particular a data processing system or a network of data processing systems, for example an in-house computer network or a data cloud. The user interface is in particular a data processing device. In particular, the user interface set up to identify the user, in particular by means of a user ID. For example, the user interface is a PC, a smartphone, a tablet or a similar data processing device. In particular, the user interface includes a graphical user interface. In particular, the user interface includes a number of data processing devices. For example, the user interface includes multiple PCs, tablets and/or smartphones, so that the user interface can be used by multiple users at the same time. In particular, the user interface is connected directly or indirectly, wirelessly or by wire, to the central data management system. For example, the user interface communicates with the central data management system via a web application. In particular, the central data management system includes this web application. Alternatively, the user interface communicates with the central data management system via a local program stored on the user interface, which receives required data from the central data management system and/or a data cloud. The tool database and/or the user database are in particular integrated into the central data management system. Alternatively, the tool database and/or the user database are configured separately from the central data management system. In particular, the tool database and the user database are designed as a single database that stores both the location data and the access right data.

The tool dispensing system is set up in particular to check whether the user to whom the user request is assigned is also the user to whom the identifier of the key device is assigned. This is done in particular via the information about the user identity contained in the user request. Only if these users are identical will the temporary Authorization created. In particular, the user interface or a device that can be connected to the user interface is set up to read out the identifier of the key device. The information about the user identity is recorded in particular when the user logs into the user interface.

In particular, the central data management system is set up to send a notification about missing access rights to the user interface if the user does not have access permission for the required tool. In this case, in particular, no temporary opening authorization is created. In particular, the central data management system is set up to send a notification about the absence of the tool to the user interface if no location data of at least one tool instance of the required tool is stored in the tool database. In this case, too, no temporary opening authorization is created.

By assigning access rights for tools and/or entire tool store, the tool issuing system can be individually adapted to the circumstances of a company. It is thus possible to provide access rights only for complete tool stores, only for individual tools or both for tool stores and individual tools.

In order for the electronic lock to open, the valid temporary opening authorization must be present in the electronic lock. For this purpose, the temporary opening authorization is transmitted to the electronic lock. The temporary opening authorization is transmitted in particular together with or separately from the identification mark. In particular, the temporary opening authorization is transmitted to the electronic lock before, at the same time as or after the transmission of the identifier. In particular, the temporary opening authorization is transmitted wirelessly to the electronic lock.

The fixed or definable period of time for which the user with the temporary opening authorization can open the electronic lock is preferably a one-time, non-recurring period of time that begins in particular at the time the temporary opening authorization is created and after a fixed or definable time interval has elapsed thereafter time ends.

What is advantageously achieved in this way is that the user has enough time to remove the tool, but can no longer access the tool store after the period has elapsed. In contrast to a system in which employees are granted unlimited or periodically recurring access to the tool store, the tool issuing system makes it much easier to monitor that tools are actually only removed within the defined or definable period of time. In addition, the identity of all users who had access to the tool stores can be determined.

The defined or definable period of time is in particular 1 minute to 1 day, moreover in particular 10 minutes to 1 hour. For example, the period is about 30 minutes. In particular, the length of the period depends on the size of the operating premises and/or the distance between the user and the tool store where the tool specimen is located. Choosing a suitable time period ensures that the user has enough time to remove the tool. At the same time will access is not granted for an unnecessarily long time.

According to one embodiment, the tool issuing system includes a key interface, with the central data management system being set up to control the key interface to activate the temporary opening authorization if the user has access permission for the required tool and/or the tool store in which the tool example is located of the user's key device, wherein the key device is set up to store the temporary opening authorization, wherein the temporary opening authorization can be transmitted to the at least one electronic lock by means of the key device.

In this embodiment, the temporary opening authorization is stored on the key device and transmitted from the key device to the electronic lock. In particular, the temporary opening authorization is transmitted to the electronic lock together with the identifier.

In particular, the key device transmits the temporary opening authorization and/or the identifier to the at least one electronic lock when the key device is moved close to this electronic lock, in particular less than 1 m from the electronic lock. According to another embodiment, the temporary opening authorization is transmitted to the electronic locks via a wireless data connection with a range of at least 1 m, for example via Bluetooth.

In particular, several temporary opening authorizations are on the key device can be stored. This is useful, for example, for removing multiple tools for a workflow. Several temporary opening authorizations are also necessary if, for example, a door to a room and then a tool cabinet in this room have to be unlocked to remove the tool.

The key device is preferably set up to store the temporary opening authorization electrically and/or electronically and/or magnetically.

Opening authorizations stored electrically and/or electronically and/or magnetically can be written and read out in an automated manner in a particularly simple manner. Key devices that store access authorizations in this way are widely used in business premises to allow employees access to the premises themselves or to specific areas within the premises. At the same time, the user can use the key device to automatically identify himself in the business premises. The tool issuing system gives such key devices an extended functionality in that the key device also stores the temporary opening authorization for access to the required tool. In this way, the tool issuing system can advantageously be integrated into existing identification and access rights management systems in business premises. For example, the tool dispensing system can be integrated into a system that uses OSS Standard Offline to grant authorized users access to specified areas in the company premises.

According to one embodiment, the central data management system is set up to transmit the temporary opening authorization to the transmit electronic lock.

According to this embodiment, the temporary opening authorization is not transmitted to the electronic lock by the key device, but rather by the central data management system. The transmission can take place directly or indirectly, for example via other data processing devices and/or computer networks. According to one embodiment, the temporary opening authorization is transmitted to the electronic lock after it has been created. In this case, the temporary opening authorization is already present in the electronic lock before the identifier is transmitted. According to an alternative embodiment, the temporary opening authorization is transmitted to the electronic lock after the identifier has been transmitted. In this case, in particular, the electronic lock transmits an access right request to the central data management system in response to receiving an identification code, with the central data management system then transmitting the temporary opening authorization to the electronic lock.

The key device is preferably or comprises a key card and/or a transponder and/or a smartphone.

For example, the key device is the same key card that a user uses to identify himself in the premises and to gain access to certain areas in the premises. This advantageously allows a particularly simple and cost-effective implementation of the tool dispensing system. The key interface is in particular a card writing device and/or a card reading and writing device and/or an RFID writing device and/or an RFID reading and writing device.

In particular, the key device and the user interface are implemented in a single device. For example, a smartphone serves both as a user interface, with which the user logs in and sends the user request, and as a key device, with which he opens the electronic lock.

According to one embodiment, the user request includes information about the current location of the user, with the central data management system being set up to use the tool database to determine that tool as a tool example whose whereabouts are physically closest to the current location of the user.

In this way, the user is advantageously always provided with the tool example that is closest to his current location. The central data management system is set up in particular to use the key interface to store a temporary opening authorization on the user's key device, which allows the user to open the electronic lock with which the tool store is locked, in which the closest tool is located. In particular, the user interface is set up to issue a notification to the user that indicates where the tool instance is located. In particular, the message is transmitted from the central data management system to the user interface.

In particular, when selecting the tool instance, the tool issuing system only takes into account those tool instances that are in tool stores for which the user has access rights.

The tool dispensing system is preferably set up to determine that the tool specimen has been removed from the tool store, in particular by means of at least one location sensor for determining the presence or absence of a tool, with the removal of the tool specimen being logged together with an identifier of the user and a time of removal.

In this way, not only the user request is advantageously logged, but also the removal of the tool example itself. This allows the current location of each tool to be tracked more precisely. The identifier is in particular the identifier of the user or another type of identifier that allows the user to be identified. In particular, the current location of a tool is updated in the tool database after it has been removed. For example, it is indicated that the tool has just been taken out by the user. In this way, a trace of the different locations of the tool and the users of the tool can be viewed at a later point in time.

The central data management system is preferably set up to monitor an inventory of the tools and to issue a warning if the inventory is below a predetermined or specifiable threshold.

In this way, it is advantageously possible to ensure that a required tool is always available when it is requested by the user. In particular, the warning message is issued to a responsible employee. This employee then reorders the required tools. In particular, that makes a difference Tool issue system between loan tools and tools that are only removed but not returned. The latter include, for example, consumables for which inventory monitoring is particularly useful.

According to one embodiment, the temporary opening authorization is created by combining a periodically recurring opening authorization for the user with a limited period of validity for the key device.

In other words, the opening authorization is only valid if the opening authorization is transmitted in a periodically recurring time window and the key card itself is still valid. This allows implementation of the temporary opening authorization in systems that normally do not provide for the issuing of one-off opening authorizations for a limited period of time. For example, a periodic time window from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on a Monday is combined with a limited validity period of the key device of one week. After the periodic time window has expired for the first time, the period of validity of the key device has expired one week later on the following Monday, so that the electronic lock can no longer be opened using the key device. In order to reactivate the key device, it must be reconnected to a key interface, in which case the periodic opening authorization is then removed. Such a system is particularly useful when using key cards on which the opening authorization is stored and the electronic lock does not verify the opening authorization by accessing the central data management system. The limited validity is stored in particular as a validity data record on the key device, from the key device to the electronic lock is transmitted.

According to an alternative embodiment, the key device is assigned a single opening authorization.

The central data management system is preferably set up to assign the user a temporary opening authorization for the required tool depending on the workflow, in particular in that tools required for a workflow are or can be defined, with the workflow in particular being assigned or assignable to the user, with temporary opening authorizations for the for tools required for the workflow can be created.

In this way, the user is advantageously automatically provided with the tools that he needs to complete the workflow. All of the temporary opening authorizations that the user needs to open the tool store where the tools they need are located are stored on the key device of the user. Alternatively, the user is manually given the temporary opening permissions for all the tools required in the workflow, for example by an authorized employee.

The central data management system is preferably set up to create the temporary opening authorization when the user transmits a return request to the central data management system via the user interface, the return request indicating that the user would like to return the tool example.

In this way it is also possible, in addition to the removal as well to monitor the return of the tools and thus enable the whereabouts of the tools to be tracked precisely. With the temporary opening authorization, which is provided in response to a return request, the user is authorized to open a tool store assigned by the tool issuing system, for example the one from which he took the tool example, within a specified or definable second period of time. In addition or as an alternative, the user can of course also return the tool example during the period for which he has received temporary opening authorization to remove the tool example.

At least one authorized user is preferably defined who has authorization to configure the access right data, in particular by means of the user interface.

For example, the authorized user is a master or other person responsible for inventory. This person regulates, for example with the central data management system, which user has access to which tools. In particular, the authorized user determines which tool instances are displayed to the user as a result of submitting the user request. For example, the authorized user specifies that a specific tool instance is displayed, or that the geographically closest tool instance is displayed, or that only those tool instances for which the user has access rights are displayed.

The at least one electronic lock is preferably designed to lock a door and/or a gate and/or a grille and/or a gate and/or a drawer and/or a cupboard and/or a case and/or a workshop trolley.

Depending on what type of tool store the electronic locks close, they are necessarily designed differently. However, all electronic locks are similar in terms of their functionality to open when a valid temporary opening authorization is transmitted.

In particular, the tool dispensing system includes at least one tool cabinet with an integrated, automatic inventory management. In this case, in particular, the temporary opening authorization is received from this tool cabinet. If the temporary opening authorization is valid and the identifier is transmitted to the tool cabinet, the tool cabinet opens and/or unlocks that of its drawers in which the tool example is located.

• wobei eine Nutzeranfrage nach einem benötigten Werkzeug von einem Nutzer an eine Nutzerschnittstelle übermittelt wird, wobei die Nutzeranfrage Informationen über das benötigte Werkzeug und eine Nutzeridentität umfasst,
• wobei die Nutzeranfrage von der Nutzerschnittstelle an ein zentrales Datenverwaltungssystem übermittelt wird,
• wobei das zentrale Datenverwaltungssystem auf eine Nutzerdatenbank und eine Werkzeugdatenbank zugreift,
• wobei auf der Werkzeugdatenbank Aufenthaltsdaten von mehreren Werkzeugen gespeichert sind, die angeben, in welchem Werkzeuglager sich die Werkzeuge jeweils aktuell befinden, und auf der Nutzerdatenbank Zugriffsrechtsdaten gespeichert sind, die für wenigstens einen Nutzer angeben, für welche der Werkzeuge und/oder Werkzeuglager der wenigstens eine Nutzer eine Zugriffserlaubnis hat,
• wobei das zentrale Datenverwaltungssystem ermittelt, in welchem Werkzeuglager sich ein Werkzeugexemplar befindet, das dem benötigten Werkzeug entspricht, und ob der Nutzer, dem die Nutzeranfrage zugeordnet ist, für das benötigte Werkzeug und/oder das Werkzeuglager, in dem sich das Werkzeugexemplar befindet, eine Zugriffserlaubnis hat,
• wobei das zentrale Datenverwaltungssystem, sofern der Nutzer für das benötigte Werkzeug und/oder das Werkzeuglager, in dem sich das Werkzeugexemplar befindet, eine Zugriffserlaubnis hat, eine temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung erstellt, wobei die temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung spezifiziert, dass der Nutzer für einen festgelegten oder festlegbaren Zeitraum ein elektronisches Schloss öffnen kann, mit dem das Werkzeuglager verschlossen ist, in dem sich das Werkzeugexemplar befindet,
• wobei die Schlüsselvorrichtung ein diesen Nutzer kennzeichnendes Identifizierungskennzeichen umfasst, mittels dessen die Nutzeridentität verifizierbar ist,
• wobei das Identifizierungskennzeichen mittels der Schlüsselvorrichtung an das elektronische Schloss übermittelt wird,
• wobei sich das elektronische Schloss öffnet, wenn eine gültige temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung in dem elektronischen Schloss vorliegt und das Identifizierungskennzeichen an das elektronische Schloss übermittelt wird, wobei eine temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung für das elektronische Schloss gültig ist, wenn sie das elektronische Schloss spezifiziert und das Identifizierungskennzeichen des Nutzers, der durch die temporäre Öffnungsberechtigung spezifiziert ist, während des festgelegten oder festlegbaren Zeitraums an das elektronische Schloss übermittelt wird.

The object is also achieved by a method for managing and issuing tools, in particular by means of a tool issuing system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

• wherein a user request for a required tool is transmitted by a user to a user interface, wherein the user request includes information about the required tool and a user identity,
• wherein the user request is transmitted from the user interface to a central data management system,
• wherein the central data management system accesses a user database and a tool database,
• whereabouts data from a number of tools are stored in the tool database, which data indicate the tool store in which the tools are currently located, and access rights data are stored on the user database, which indicate for at least one user which of the tools and/or tool stores the at least one user has access permission for,
• wherein the central data management system determines which tool storehouse contains a tool specimen that corresponds to the required tool, and whether the user to whom the user request is assigned has access permission for the required tool and/or the tool storehouse in which the tool specimen is located has,
• wherein the central data management system, if the user has access permission for the required tool and/or the tool store in which the tool specimen is located, creates a temporary opening authorization, with the temporary opening authorization specifying that the user can enter for a fixed or definable period of time can open an electronic lock with which the tool store is locked, in which the tool specimen is located,
• wherein the key device comprises an identifier identifying this user, by means of which the user identity can be verified,
• wherein the identifier is transmitted to the electronic lock by means of the key device,
• wherein the electronic lock opens when there is a valid temporary opening authorization in the electronic lock and the identifier is transmitted to the electronic lock, wherein a temporary opening authorization for the electronic lock is valid if it specifies the electronic lock and the identifier of the user, the is specified by the temporary opening authorization is transmitted to the electronic lock during the defined or definable period of time.

The method embodies the same advantages, features and properties as the tool dispensing system previously described.

With the method, the issue of tools in business premises can be managed easily, effectively and inexpensively and the whereabouts of the tools can be monitored at all times.

In addition, the object is achieved by using an electronic lock, in particular by means of the tool dispensing system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments or the aforementioned method, for receiving a temporary opening authorization and opening a tool store when an identification code is transmitted to the electronic lock, the temporary opening authorization specifies that a user can open the electronic lock for a fixed or definable period of time.

The use of the electronic lock embodies the same advantages, features and characteristics as the previously described tool dispensing system and tool management and dispensing method.

In particular, the defined or definable period of time begins after the temporary opening authorization has been created.

Further features of the invention will be apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention taken together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Inventive Embodiments can fulfill individual features or a combination of several features.

In the context of the invention, features that are marked with "particularly" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

Fig. 1

eine schematisch vereinfachte Darstellung von Betriebsräumlichkeiten mit mehreren Werkzeuglagern,

Fig. 2

eine schematisch vereinfachte Darstellung eines Werkzeugausgabesystems zur Verwaltung und Ausgabe von Werkzeugen.

The invention is described below without restricting the general inventive concept using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, with express reference being made to the drawings with regard to all details according to the invention that are not explained in more detail in the text. Show it:

1

a schematically simplified representation of business premises with several tool stores,

2

a schematically simplified representation of a tool dispensing system for managing and issuing tools.

In the drawings, elements and/or parts that are the same or of the same type are provided with the same reference numbers, so that they are not presented again in each case.

1 FIG. 1 shows, schematically simplified, business premises 1, for example a workshop or a building of a company, from a bird's eye view. The operating premises 1 shown include three rooms 60 which are separated from one another by doors 14 . Cabinets 62 and a workshop trolley 64 are provided for storing tools. Tools can also be stored in the rooms 60 themselves. The workshop trolley 64, the cabinets 62 and the rooms 60 themselves are therefore Tool storage 12, in which tools are housed. In order to prevent unauthorized access to the tool store 12, the cabinets 62, the workshop trolley 64 and the doors 14 are regularly locked, with only an authorized person being able to open these doors 14, cabinets 62 and the trolley 64.

A user 53, for example an employee, is in 1 represented schematically by a circle. The user 53 who needs a specific tool for a work process must first find out in which tool store 12 the tool is located. If the doors 14, cabinets 62 or the workshop trolley 64 are locked, they must also be unlocked. If every employee is given a key, access to the tools could be easily regulated, but it would no longer be easy to monitor which employee removed which tool and when. If, on the other hand, only one authorized employee is given a key, he or she can monitor the removal of tools, but must be personally present for each tool removal, which means a great deal of work.

In 2 a tool dispensing system 2 is shown in a schematically simplified manner, with which the management and dispensing of tools 52 in the operating premises 1 can be facilitated. The tool dispensing system 2 includes a central data management system 4, for example a computer network of the company or the manufacturer of the tool dispensing system 2 or a cloud network. The user 53 can send a user request 50 to the central data management system 4 via a user interface 30 , for example a PC or a smartphone. In the user request 50, the user specifies the required tool 52. In addition, in the User request 50 contain the user identity 54 and in particular the location 56 of the user 53. The location 56 is determined, for example, by the user interface 30 or specified by the user 53 . The transmission takes place, for example, via a web application 32 that is managed and/or included by the central data management system 4 .

The central data management system 4 accesses a tool database 6 on which whereabouts of the tools 52 in the operating premises 1 are stored. These location data indicate in which tool store 12 the tools 52 are located. The central data management system 4 also checks, by accessing a user database 8, whether the user 53, whose user identity 54 was transmitted, has access authorization for the tool 52 and/or the tool store 12 in which the tool 52 is located. For this purpose, access right data are stored in the user database 8, which indicate which tools 52 and/or tool store 12 the users 53 have access rights to. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the tool database 6 and the user database 8 are designed as a common database in the form of an inventory management system.

If the user 53 has no access rights for the required tool 52 and/or the tool store 12 in which the tool copy of the tool 52 is located, or if no tool copy of the required tool 52 is stored in the tool database 6, the user 53 is informed of this. If the user 53 has an access right for the required tool 52, the central data management system 4 determines a tool copy of the required tool 52. A message is transmitted to the user interface 30, by means of which the user 53 can see in which tool store 12 he has the tool copy finds.

According to one embodiment, the user 53 is simultaneously prompted to connect a key device 20 assigned to him to a key interface 16 which is connected to a computer 34, for example. The key device 20 is a key card, for example, and the key interface 16 is accordingly a reading and writing device for key cards. Alternatively, the key device 20 is, for example, a transponder, a smartphone or a similar object that can be carried by the user 53 and that can store and transmit data.

The central data management system 4 controls the key interface 16 via the computer 34 in order to create a temporary opening authorization 22 and write it to the key device 20 . The temporary opening authorization 22 entitles the user 53 to open an electronic lock 10 for a fixed or definable period of time, with which the tool store 12 is locked, in which the tool example that was determined by the central data management system 4 is located. For this purpose, the key device 20 is moved, for example, in the vicinity of the electronic lock 10 so that the temporary opening authorization and an identifier stored on the key device 20 are read by the electronic lock 10 . The identifier allows the user 53 to be identified. If the temporary opening authorization 22 for this electronic lock 10 is valid, then the electronic lock 10 opens and the user 53 can remove the tool example from the tool store 12 .

According to another, not in 2 illustrated embodiment no key interface 16 is provided and the temporary opening authorization 22 is not stored on the key device 20 either. Instead, the temporary opening authorization 22 is created and transmitted to the electronic lock 10 by the central data management system 4 . If the identifier is now transmitted from the key device 20 to the electronic lock 10, the temporary opening authorization 22 is already present there and the electronic lock 10 opens. Alternatively, the temporary opening authorization 22 is only transmitted to the electronic lock 10 after the identification tag has been received. In this embodiment, a smartphone, for example, is used as the key device 20, which transmits the identifier to the electronic lock 10, for example via Bluetooth. The smartphone can be provided as a key device 20 and as a user interface 30 at the same time.

The period of time for which the temporary opening authorization 22 is valid is defined in such a way that the user 53 has enough time to remove the tool 52, for example 30 minutes. After this period of time, the opening authorization loses its validity, so that the electronic lock 10 can no longer be opened. In 2 this is represented schematically by an analogue clock. By limiting the period of opening authorization, the stock of tools can be better monitored and unauthorized access to the tools 52 is prevented. The tool stores 12 can only be opened when the tools 52 stored therein are actually needed.

If several tool copies of the required tool 52 are available, a temporary opening authorization 22 for that electronic lock 10 is generated and stored on the key device 20 in which that tool example is stored that is closest to the location 56 of the user 53 .

According to one embodiment, the tool stores 12 are equipped with a sensor system with which the removal process can be monitored. For example, a message is generated for the central data management system 4 when a sensor in one of the cabinets 62 registers that the tool example has been removed or put back. In this way, the central data management system 4 can log the precise location of the tools 52 .

Since the central data management system 4 logs the location of all tools 52 and records the status of the tools 52 as having been taken by a user 53 or as being in a tool store 12, a precise overview of the inventory, status and whereabouts of all tools 52 in the operating premises 1 to be created.

The tool issuing system 2 can also be easily integrated into existing identification and access rights systems, for example a locking system based on OSS standard offline. In such a system, key cards are used to grant users 53 access to certain areas in the business premises 1 and to identify the users 53 . For this purpose, opening authorizations that are valid indefinitely or periodic opening authorizations are often stored on the key devices 20 or key cards in order to open electronic locks 10 or doors 14, as in 2 shown schematically. The same key cards that are already provided with such a system Come application are now used in the tool dispensing system 2 to store the temporary opening authorizations 22. The key cards thus have a double functionality, which significantly reduces the costs of integrating the tool issuing system 2 if a key card-based locking system is already present in the business premises 1 .

The key device 20 can also be used to identify the user at the user interface 30 . For example, the user interface 30 includes a reader to read the identifier on the key device 20 . In this way it is ensured that only authorized users have access to the tool store 12 .

Provision can also be made for temporary opening authorizations 22 to be stored on the key device 20 for a complete workflow. With these temporary opening authorizations 22, the user 53 can open all electronic locks 10 within the period of time that lock the tool store 12 in which all the tools 52 that he needs for the work process are located. For example, an authorized user gives user 53 time-limited access rights to all tools that user 53 needs for the workflow. Alternatively, the access rights are automatically granted to the user 53 when he proves that he is editing the workflow.

All of the features mentioned, including those that can be taken from the drawings alone and also individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention alone and in combination. Embodiments according to the invention can be fulfilled by individual features or a combination of several features.

reference list

1

business premises

2

tool dispensing system

4

central data management system

6

tool database

8th

user database

10

electronic lock

12

tool storage

14

door

16

key interface

20

key device

22

temporary opening authorization

30

user interface

32

web application

34

computer

50

user request

52

Tool

53

user

54

user identity

56

Location

60

Space

62

Wardrobe

64

workshop trolley

Claims (15)

Tool dispensing system (2) comprising a central data management system (4), a tool database (6), a user database (8), at least one electronic lock (10), at least one key device (20) and a user interface (30), Whereabouts data from a plurality of tools (52) are stored in the tool database (6) and indicate the tool store (12) in which the tools (52) are currently located, wherein access rights data are stored on the user database (8) which indicate for at least one user (53) which of the tools (52) and/or tool store (12) the user (53) has access permission for, wherein the at least one electronic lock (10) is set up to lock one of the tool stores (12) in each case, wherein the user interface (30) is set up to receive a user request (50) for a required tool (52) from the user (53) and to transmit it to the central data management system (4), the user request (50) containing information about the includes the required tool (53) and a user identity (54), wherein the central data management system (4) is set up to access the tool database (6) in order to determine the tool store (12) in which a tool example that corresponds to the required tool (52) is located, and to access the user database (8) access to determine whether the user (53) to whom the user request (50) is assigned has access permission for the required tool (53) and/or the tool store (12) in which the tool instance is located, wherein the central data management system (4) is also set up to, if the user (53) has access authorization for the required tool (52) and/or the tool store (12) in which the tool example is located, a temporary opening authorization (22 ) to create, wherein the temporary opening authorization (22) specifies that the user (53) can open that electronic lock (10) for a fixed or definable period of time, with which the tool store (12) is closed, in which the tool copy is located , wherein the key device (20) comprises an identifier identifying the user (53), by means of which the user identity (54) can be verified, the identifier being able to be transmitted to the at least one electronic lock (10) by means of the key device (20), wherein the at least one electronic lock (10) is set up to open if there is a valid temporary opening authorization (22) in the at least one electronic lock (10) and the identifier is transmitted to the at least one electronic lock (10), wherein a temporary opening authorization (22) for an electronic lock (10) is valid if it specifies this electronic lock (10) and the identifier of the user (25) specified by the temporary opening authorization (22) during the specified or definable period of time to this electronic lock (10) is transmitted. Tool dispensing system (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the defined or definable period of time for which the user (53) with the temporary opening authorization (22) can open the electronic lock (10) is a one-time, non-recurring period of time, which begins in particular at the time the temporary opening authorization (22) is created and ends after a specified or definable time interval after this point in time. Tool dispensing system (2) according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising a key interface (16), the central data management system (4) being set up for this purpose if the user (53) for the required tool (52) and/or the tool store (12) in which the tool example is located, has access permission to control the key interface (16) in order to store the temporary opening authorization (22) on the key device (20) of the user (53), the key device (20) being set up to use the temporary To store opening authorization (22), the temporary Opening authorization (22) can be transmitted to the at least one electronic lock (10) by means of the key device (20). Tool dispensing system (2) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the key device (20) is set up to store the temporary opening authorization (22) electrically and/or electronically and/or magnetically. Tool dispensing system (2) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the central data management system (4) is set up to transmit the temporary opening authorization (22) to the electronic lock (10). Tool dispensing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the key device (20) is or comprises a key card and/or a transponder and/or a smartphone. Tool dispensing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the user request (50) includes information about the current location (56) of the user (53), the central data management system (4) being set up for this purpose using the tool database (6) to determine that tool (52) as a tool example whose location is closest to the current location (56) of the user (53). Tool dispensing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, which is set up to determine that the tool specimen has been removed from the tool store (12), in particular by means of at least one location sensor for determining the Presence or absence of a tool (52), the removal of the tool example being logged together with an identifier of the user (53) and a time of removal. Tool dispensing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the temporary opening authorization (22) is created by combining a periodically recurring opening authorization for the user (53) with a limited validity period for the key device (20). Tool dispensing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the central data management system (4) is set up to assign the user (53), depending on the workflow, temporary opening authorization (22) for the required tool (52), in particular by tools (52) required for a workflow are or can be specified, in particular the workflow being assigned or assignable to the user (53), with temporary opening authorizations (22) being created for the tools (52) required for the workflow. Tool dispensing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the central data management system (4) is set up to create the temporary opening authorization (22) when the user sends a return request to the central data management system via the user interface (30). (4) submitted, the return request indicating that the user (53) wishes to return the tool instance. Tool dispensing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one authorized user is specified who has authorization to configure the access right data, in particular by means of the user interface (30). Tool dispensing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the at least one electronic lock (10) is designed to have a door (14) and/or a gate and/or a grid and/or a gate and/or or to lock a drawer and/or a cupboard (62) and/or a case and/or a workshop trolley (64). Method for managing and issuing tools (52), in particular by means of a tool issuing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein a user request (50) for a required tool (52) is transmitted by a user (53) to a user interface (30), wherein the user request (50) includes information about the required tool and a user identity (54), wherein the user request (50) is transmitted from the user interface (30) to a central data management system (4), wherein the central data management system (4) accesses a user database (8) and a tool database (6), Whereabouts data from a plurality of tools (52) are stored in the tool database (6), which indicate the tool store (12) in which the tools (52) are currently located, and access rights data are stored in the user database (8) which for at least specify a user (53) for which of the tools (52) and/or tool store (12) of which at least one user (53) has access permission, wherein the central data management system (4) determines in which tool store (12) there is a tool example that corresponds to the required tool (52) and whether the user (53) to whom the user request (50) is assigned for the required tool (52) and/or the tool store (12) in which the tool specimen is located has access permission, wherein the central data management system (4), if the user (53) has access permission for the required tool (53) and/or the tool store (12) in which the tool example is located, creates a temporary opening authorization (22), wherein the temporary opening authorization (22) specifies that the user (53) can open an electronic lock (10) for a fixed or definable period of time, with which the tool store (12) in which the tool example is located is locked, wherein the key device (20) comprises an identifier identifying this user (53) and by means of which the user identity (54) can be verified, wherein the identifier is transmitted to the electronic lock (10) by means of the key device (20), wherein the electronic lock (10) opens when there is a valid temporary opening authorization (22) in the electronic lock (10) and the identifier is transmitted to the electronic lock (10), wherein a temporary opening authorization (22) for the electronic lock (10) is valid when the electronic Castle (10) specified and the identifier of the user (25), which is specified by the temporary opening authorization (22), is transmitted to the electronic lock (10) during the fixed or definable period of time. Use of an electronic lock (10), in particular by means of the tool dispensing system (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 or the method according to Claim 14, for receiving a temporary opening authorization (22) and opening a tool store (12) when an identification code is transmitted to the Electronic lock (10), the temporary opening authorization (22) specifying that a user (53) can open the electronic lock (10) for a fixed or definable period of time.

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